As winter comes to an end, you’ll probably notice your horse starting to lose its thick winter coat. Hair seems to get everywhere, on your brushes, rugs, clothes and around the stable. While it can look dramatic, seasonal shedding is completely normal. Your horse is simply replacing their heavy winter coat with a lighter coat for the warmer months ahead.
What Causes Horses to Shed?
Many people think horses start shedding because the weather is getting warmer, but it’s actually the longer daylight hours that trigger the change. As the days become longer, your horse’s body starts producing a new coat ready for spring and summer. This is why some horses begin shedding even when the mornings are still cold.
Why Do Some Horses Shed Before Others?
Not every horse sheds at the same time. Some horses seem to start dropping hair as soon as the days get longer, while others take a few more weeks. Age, breed, general health, nutrition and how they’re managed over winter can all influence when the coat change begins.
How Long Does Shedding Last?
Shedding isn’t something that happens overnight. Most horses will gradually lose their winter coat over several weeks. During this time, you’ll probably notice more hair than usual on your grooming brushes, rugs and clothing. As the old coat comes away, the shorter summer coat will begin to appear underneath.
How Can You Help?
You can’t stop your horse from shedding, but there are a few things you can do to make the process easier.
Groom More Often
Regular grooming helps remove loose hair before it ends up all over the stable. It also helps lift dirt and distribute the coat’s natural oils, leaving the new coat looking cleaner and healthier.
Shedding blades, curry combs and grooming brushes can all help speed up the process.
Support Healthy Skin and Coat
A healthy coat starts from the inside. Feeding a balanced diet and providing the nutrients needed for healthy skin can help support good coat condition throughout the year. Skin and coat supplements can also be a useful addition, particularly during shedding season, to help support healthy skin and promote a shiny new coat.
Review Rugs as the Weather Changes
As temperatures begin to rise, it’s worth checking whether your horse still needs the same level of rugging. Every horse is different, so adjust rugs according to the weather and your horse’s individual needs.
When Should You Be Concerned?
Seasonal shedding is a normal part of the year, but it’s worth speaking with your veterinarian if your horse isn’t shedding normally, has large bald patches, persistent itching or skin that looks sore or irritated. These signs may indicate that something else is going on and should be investigated.